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January/February 2003 Magazine
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Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) was diagnosed in poultry in Southern California on October 1, 2002. This is a very serious, contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects most species of birds. Many birds die without showing any signs of the disease, but some bird species can be infected without any signs and spread the disease to other birds with fatal consequences. END can only be eradicated by rapidly identifying and humanely destroying all infected and exposed birds. Affected facilities require extensive cleaning and disinfection to get rid of the disease and prevent reinfection.END is also a threat to caged birds. Cockatiels, budgies, amazons, and cockatoos are highly susceptible to END. Other species such as Lorys, macaws, canaries, finches, Mynahs, and African greys may not show signs but may act as carriers.
The disease does not pose a risk to human health. Poultry and egg products are safe to consume.
Exotic Newcastle Disease is a federal reportable disease. Any person who suspects this disease exists should immediately report the disease to the State Veterinarian or Department of Agriculture.
In addition, the BirdsnWays Exotic Newcastle Disease Information Page contains more detailed and additional information and links. It will be updated periodically.
Current Outbreak
On October 1, 2002 Exotic Newcastle disease was confirmed by the USDA, in game fowl near Los Angeles, CA. The outbreak involved approximately 3,000 birds in 6 backyard premises, 3 of which had birds with clinical signs. Soon after, END positive poultry flocks were identified in San Bernadino and Riverside counties.
On December 30, 2002 the CDFA and the USDA received laboratory confirmation of END in two additional commercial egg-laying facilities, one in San Bernadino County and one in San Diego County. Earlier in December a commercial facility in Riverside County had tested positive. More Commercial Poultry Facilities Identified With Exotic Newcastle Disease 01/02/03.
As of January 4, 2003, USDA and CDFA had confirmed three commercial establishments and many backyard flocks with END. A taskforce of over 700 federal and state employees were working to prevent the further spread of the disease. An additional 300 were being added by the end of January.
On January 16, 2003, END was confirmed in a backyard flock in Las Vegas, NV. On January 17, Federal and State quarantines were established for all of Clark County and portions of Nye County, NV.
A map showing the California and Nevada Quarantine Zones and infection sites as of January 21st can be seen at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/enc/newcastle012103b.gif.
On February 4, 2003, tests for Exotic Newcastle Disease on poultry on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in western Arizona were returned positive. The Colorado River Indian Tribes' Fish & Game Department has been working closely with the USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, as well as the Arizona Department of Agriculture. All agencies are now partnering to contain the virus and prevent additional infections elsewhere in Arizona.
On February 4, 2003, END was confirmed in a backyard flock in La Paz County, AZ.
February 6, 2003 - A new commercial premises in San Bernardino County, CA, was identified as positive for END. This brought the total number positive commercial premises in California to 7.
February 13, 2003 - Tests confirmed five new infected commercial premises in CA. Three in San Bernardino County, one in Riverside County, and one in San Diego County. The total commercial flocks in California affected by END is 13 flocks.
As of 2/13/03, over 240 officials with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, along with many other government agencies are now conducting an Exotic Newcastle Disease eradication campaign
According to the CDFA, as of February 13, 2003, 10,189 premises are quarantined, 1,772 premises contained birds infected with or exposed to END, 2,017,923 birds have been destroyed and over 1,312 people are currently working in southern CA to eradicate the disease. Newcastle Disease Update February 13, 2003
As of February 14, 2003, the Federal quarantine area in California includes Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. In Nevada it includes Clark and the southern tip of Nye counties, and in Arizona it includes Yuma, La Paz, and the southern portions of Mohave (below the Colorado River) counties.
USDA APHIS reports 2,073,894 birds have been put to death in CA, 239 in AZ and 2,205 in NV, a total of 2,076,338. Number of positive premises - 581 CA, 1 AZ, 8 NV, total 590. Number of premesis having some type of contact with these and also being depopulated - 1,201 CA, 3 AZ, 115 NV, total 1319. Total premises being depopulated 1,909. Total commercial flocks affected by END - 13 flocks. For more status information see Emergency Management Warning 42.
Government Quarantine Announcements & Notices
On October 3, 2002, the CDFA suspended all poultry exhibitions at local fairgrounds, and all bird owners were asked to stop the movement and sales of backyard birds. Press Release October 3, 2002
Effective November 21st, the USDA quarantined Los Angeles County, CA, and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and restricted the interstate movement of birds, poultry, products, and materials that could spread exotic Newcastle disease from the quarantined area. Federal Register: November 26, 2002
On November 21st, pursuant to the CA Food and Agricultural Code Section 9562, the State Veterinarian of California the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) instituted a state quarantine that affects the owners of poultry, poultry products and poultry exhibitions within the quarantine boundaries. These are the affected southern California counties of Los Angeles and portions of Riverside and San Bernadino.
Effective December 30, 2002, the quarantine boundaries were extended to encompass those counties with END-positive flocks; Los Angeles, San Diego and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino, as well as Orange county. CDFA 01/02/03: More Commercial Poultry Facilities Identified With END Quarantine Extended.
Effective December 30, 2002, the USDA quarantine boundaries were expanded. The expanded quarantine boundaries encompassed those counties with END-positive flocks; Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. Additional counties include Santa Barbara, Ventura, Imperial, and Orange. This was a necessary requirement to attempt to provide a buffer zone and prevent further spread of the disease.
On January 6, 2003 the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Agriculture signed and placed into the Federal Register of 01/10/03 a Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease in CA. The extraordinary emergency declaration allows USDA to apply federal authority within the State of California.
Effective January 7, 2003, the State Veterinarian of California expanded the California quarantine boundaries to encompass Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Ventura and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino. CDFA Notice of Regional Quarantine 01/07/03
Effective January 7, 2003, the USDA ammended its quarantine in California to include all of Imperial, Orange, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. As a result of the USDA Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency, the restrictions which apply to interstate movement of birds, poultry, products, and materials that could spread exotic Newcastle disease from the quarantined area, now also apply to intrastate movement as well. Federal Register: January 13, 2003.
On January 17, Federal and State quarantines were established for all of Clark County and portions of Nye County, NV after a backyard flock in Las Vegas tested positive. Federal Register of 01/24/03 Exotic Newcastle Disease; Additions to Quarantined Area - NV effective 01/17/03 and Press release January 16, 2002.
On January 17, 2003 the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Agriculture signed and placed into the Federal Register of 01/24/03 a Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease in NV.
A map showing the California and Nevada Quarantine Zones and infection sites as of January 21st can be seen at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/enc/newcastle012103b.gif.
On February 4, 2003, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Tribal Government imposed a quarantine on all domestic birds on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in western Arizona. It is likely that more birds on the reservation will be euthanized. CRIT 02/04/02 Press Release. The USDA has also quarantined the Arizona counties of Yuma, La Paz, and southern portions of Mojave (below the Colorado River).
February 5, 2003, AZ declared a State of Emergency which applies to all birds in La Paz and Yuma Counties and a portion of Mohave County, AZ and set regulations for transporting birds and products from other states.
On February 7, 2003, the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Agriculture signed and placed into the Federal Register of 02/13/03 a Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease in AZ.
February 10, 2003, USDA instituted a federal quarantine zone to include all of La Paz and Yuma Counties and a portion of Mohave County, AZ. effective 2/10/03. Federal Register 02/14/03: Additions to Quarantined Area - AZ eff 02/10/03. The state of Arizona also issued a public information notice. Arizona Department of Agriculture Director's Administrative Order
As of 02/14/03, USDA APHIS reports 2,073,894 birds have been put to death in CA, 239 in AZ and 2,205 in NV, a total of 2,076,338. Number of positive premises - 581 CA, 1 AZ, 8 NV, total 590. Number of premesis having some type of contact with these and also being depopulated - 1,201 CA, 3 AZ, 115 NV, total 1319. Total premises being depopulated 1,909. Total commercial flocks affected by END - 13 flocks. For more status information see Emergency Management Warning 42.
USDA APHIS Quarantine Information
Federal quarantine applies to the interstate movement of birds, poultry, products, and materials that could spread exotic Newcastle disease from the quarantined area. The quarantine applies to all species of birds and the quarantine areas include a buffer zone around infected areas.
The USDA has issued Declarations of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease for CA, NV and AZ. The extraordinary emergency declaration allows the USDA to apply federal authority within these states. Federal regulations are extended to the intrastate movement of birds as well. Thus all birds in California are affected, not just the species listed in the California quarantine. Where more restrictive, the federal regulations apply.
The USDA is part of the various END task forces in each state.
USDA APHIS Newcastle Disease Page
USDA APHIS Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-940-6524California Quarantine Information
The CA END Task Force is a cooperative effort between CDFA, USDA, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the U.S. Forest Service, the California Conservation Corps, and the University of California's Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. (see CDFA Newcastle Disease page and Information for Bird owners - Questions and Answers on Regional Bird Quarantine 01/07/03 English & Spanish)
The USDA Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency allows the USDA to apply federal authority within the state. The USDA quarantine applies to all species of birds and the quarantine area includes a buffer zone around infected areas. Where in conflict, USDA authority supercedes the state quarantine explained below. Comparing State and Federal Quarantines for Exotic Newcastle Disease in California 01/07/03
The state quarantine applies to poultry species, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, partridges, pheasants, quail, guinea fowl, pea fowl (peacocks), doves, pigeons, grouse, swans and ratites (emus, ostriches and rheas), their eggs, and associated property, equipment and materials. Eggs, however, may be moved after they are washed, sanitized and packed in new materials.
Any of the above cannot be moved out of or exhibited within the quarantine area without a compliance agreement with the CDFA. They may only be shown or sold at swap meets or sales within the quarantined area if the event manager has a signed compliance agreement with CDFA. Poultry that enter the quarantined area for exhibition or sale are NOT permitted to leave the area.
CA Food and Agricultural Code Section 9574 provides that any person who negligently or intentionally violates a quarantine is liable civilly in an amount not to exceed $25,000.
If END is diagnosed, CDFA will serve individual notices for the destruction of infected and exposed birds and bird products. CDFA will compensate owners at "fair market value" for birds that are destroyed. All cages, materials and equipment associated with infected birds must be cleaned and disinfected or destroyed.
Caged Birds - excerpts from Caged Birds policy - END Task Force Expands Opportunities for Home Quarantine and Isolation for Caged Birds - 02/13/03 CDFAInformation on shows and events can be found at Shows Recommended Action for Managers 01/07/03The END Task Force has formalized a policy for handling birds within the quarantine zone. Veterinarians in the field will weigh several factors before making a final decision on the fate of these birds.
Any birds that test positive for END or are in dangerous contact with infected birds will be euthanized. However, in cases where birds are not infected, and bird owners can demonstrate a biosecurity program that protects the birds, they may be spared. To achieve this, the owner must adhere to a quarantine protocol that will continue to keep the pet bird in protective isolation.
END task force's Exotic Newcastle Disease Policy - Pet & Exotic Birds 02/13/03 CDFA explains, which birds will be considered, who makes the decision, quarantine responsibilities, biosecurity requirements, testing, etc. Some excerpts follow.
An appropriate biosecurity program includes: avoiding contact with affected birds; isolating birds from loose birds in the neighborhood; preventing people from spreading the disease on contaminated clothing, shoes, and vehicles; and cleaning and disinfecting all equipment and supplies in contact with affected birds.
Owners who do not have outside birds will be considered at lower risk than those who have outside birds. If birds are housed outside, other risk factors will be considered.
Birds will be evaluated and either euthanized, quarantined on the premises as prescribed by the task force, or taken to a USDA quarantine station at the discretion of the task force Incident Commander. Any birds exempted from euthanasia will be tested, examined, and isolated at the owner's expense as prescribed by the task force. Isolation facilities must provide secure bio-containment.
The quarantine will remain in place for a minimum of 30 days. The quarantine will not be lifted until surveillance has been completed in the neighborhood around the quarantined premises (in an approximately 1-kilometer zone) and until there are no infected premises within a 3-kilometer zone around the quarantined premises. Birds will be euthanized if test results show that an exempted bird is infected with END.
Birds with signs of disease will be tested at no charge. Notify the Exotic Newcastle Disease task force hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or 562-795-1940, or the State Veterinarian at (916) 654-0881, or submit birds to one of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratories located in:
San Bernardino: 909-383-4287
Fresno: 559-498-7740
Turlock: 209-634-5837
Davis: 530-752-8700
San Diego County: (858)-694-2838
Other locations call: (530)-752-8700State of Nevada Quarantine Information
The Nevada State Department of Agriculture is prohibiting movement of ANY avian species into or out of the quarantine area at this time (see State of Nevada END page).
The quarantine prohibits or restricts the movement of all birds, poultry, products and other materials that could spread Exotic Newcastle Disease into or out of the quarantined area. Funds are available to purchase birds diagnosed with the disease and those euthanized in the quarantine area. Violating the quarantine is punishable by a $615 Nevada State fine, and up to a $25,000 Federal fine.
Nevada END Hotline (866)-490-2991
Nevada Department of Agriculture hotline(702)-515-5200
Las Vegas - 702 486-4690
Reno - 1-888-228-5239
Rural Nevada - 1-800-992-0900State of Arizona Quarantine Information
Arizona Department of Agriculture, Animal Services Division operating under and supplementing Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 6, Arizona Administrative Code. Quarantine applies to all avian species, commercial traffic originating from a quarantine area in California, Nevada, or Arizona, and to bird exhibits, shows, auctions, public displays, and competitions in Arizona. (see State of Arizona Exotic Newcastle Disease Page)
Items under restriction. Birds, poultry, poultry waste, vehicles, and materials or used appliances that could transmit END.
A commercial vehicle originating from an area under quarantine in California or Nevada that is transporting feed or eggs, a vehicle of any type transporting a bird from California or Nevada shall stop at an Arizona Port-of- Entry inspection station and provide the proper documents.
Vehicles transporting any poultry meat products are required to be clean of materials that could transport END. Such vehicles exiting California or Nevada may be subject to inspection at an Arizona Port-of-Entry.
Poultry and bird events, such as exhibits, shows, auctions, competitions, or other public displays of birds of any type are prohibited in the entire state of Arizona.
AZDA END hotline (888)-742-5334
Winged Wisdom Note: Carol and husband Kenneth have owned pet birds for over 13 years and are co-creators of the Birds n Ways, Winged Wisdom and Cockatoo Heaven websites.
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